Your Day, Your Wedding: Finding a Wedding Dress

After just having been through the process to searching for a wedding dress, I have some firsthand experience to add to everything else you’ve probably read and heard from friends.

Here are some things to remember as you search for that perfect gown.

Be prepared. It may take several stops or appointments until you find your dream dress.

Make an appointment. This will allow you one-on-one time with a consultant without interruptions. Once you start finding what you like and don’t like, they can be great to help you narrow down the search.

Feel good. Because the store typically only has one sample size of each dress, most of the dresses you try on won’t fit. You may not be able to zip up some while you’ll have to hold up others. Do your hair. Put on a little makeup. Put on some fun earrings. You will feel better in the dresses if you already feel good about yourself. Also, don’t forget to wear something nice underneath because your consultant or store staff will be helping you try on each dress.

Shop when you’re ready to buy. Look at magazines to see the different styles and designers out there. If you’re looking for a particular designer, call local shops to see if they have that designer and if they do, ask about any upcoming trunk shows or special showings.

Stay in your price range. If you’ve given yourself a budget, don’t tempt yourself by trying on dresses out of that range. You will be wasting your time and if you fall in love with one, the temptation will be hard to resist. Be honest with the consultant about what you’re willing to pay.

Order ahead. Because your gown will be ordered in a size based on your measurements and will then need to be altered, you want to make sure to leave yourself plenty of time before the wedding. Some dresses can take up to 6 months to come in and then alternations can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks.

Below are just a few of the bridal shops in Hampton Roads to get you started on your search.